In this powerful episode of Finding Common Ground, Steve and Heather sit down with Tristian, a young man whose journey through foster care is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Tristian opens up about the abuse he endured early in life, the struggles of being shuffled between family members, and the challenges of navigating the foster care system. He shares how he "admitted himself into foster care" and, by "owning" his experience, moved beyond the victim mentality, showing us all how he transformed a rough start into a promising future.

Finding a sense of normalcy in Steve’s home, alongside other kids facing similar hardships, became a turning point in Tristian's life. His story highlights the unique bond between foster children, who often serve as the best counselors for each other, offering support that is "pure of heart." As Tristian explains, kids don’t have an agenda—they just want you to be happy.

The episode also delves into the controversial issue of overmedication in foster care, discussing how constant placement changes disrupt continuity of care, leading to missed opportunities for necessary medication tapers. As a result, some children suffer from avoidable side effects, going through life feeling "fuzzy" and numb, growing up believing they need meds (or something else) to cope. Tristian's story emphasizes the need for fostering coping skills and adaptive strategies rather than relying solely on prescription pads.

Tristian’s decision to detox and reclaim his life after aging out of the system, his service in the military, and his ongoing efforts to give back to the community are testaments to his incredible resilience. His humility and gratitude for those who supported him along the way are truly inspiring. This episode is particularly empowering for children and young adults who may feel overwhelmed or powerless—let them hear Tristian's words, feel his energy, and be inspired to "own" their situations and take control of what they can.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in foster care, mental health, and the power of human resilience. Tristian’s story is a poignant reminder that while not everyone may be suited to be a foster parent, those who do can make an immeasurable difference in a child’s life.